Retire on Canada's warmest lake

A screened veranda overlooks the natural landscape of the Sonoran desert, one of many unique features in the cottages.Handout photo
/ The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake

A rendering of one of the single-family homes that will soon dot the shores of Osoyoos Lake. This new waterfront development, called The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake, is located on what developer Eric Van Maren believes "is one of the most beautiful pieces of waterfront property in the entire Okanagan Valley."Handout photo
/ The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake

Cool blues in furnishing, low maintenance flooring and window seats are just some of the possible details in Cottages on Osoyoos Lake.Handout photo
/ The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake

A screened veranda overlooks the natural landscape of the Sonoran desert, one of many unique features in the cottages.Pamela Irving
/ Edmonton Journal

Cool blues in furnishing, low maintenance flooring and window seats are just some of the possible details in Cottages on Osoyoos Lake.Pamela Irving
/ Edmonton Journal

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The drive along Road 22 to the Cottages at Osoyoos lake is a microcosm of south Okanagan topography: red-winged blackbirds in wetlands, wild horses in fields and desert sagebrush near Osoyoos lake.

"I love the curvature of that drive," said Jacquie Trobec of Calgary, one of the first to purchase in the new Cottages at Osoyoos on the Lake. Jacquie and her 96-year-old mother, Teddie, bought a home together and are excited about its completion next spring.

"We never dreamed we would own such a beautiful place for under $500,000," said Jacquie.

While many people their age are downsizing, the motherdaughter team's new home is more than 3,000 square feet.

"When we saw the spectacular panoramic view of the Osoyoos lake and the beauty of the backdrop native land, we knew that was the location of our retirement dream home," said Jacquie.

Though Chilliwack-based developer Eric Van Maren has been developing property across Western Canada and the U.S. for over 38 years, The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake is his pet project, taking years to develop the concept and land deal.

"There is a magic there you can feel. I wanted to do something very special for people of all ages, from seniors to toddlers," said Van Maren, 58, a father of six and grandfather of 13 children. "Most buyers are from Alberta and B.C., many in their late 40s to 60s, with children and grandchildren who may want to visit."

Van Maren was so taken with the 28-hectare site on Osoyoos Lake, he scoped the entire Okanagan for developments to model The Cottages on.

"I didn't see anything that matched my vision, so I took a trip to Veranda Beach just south of the border in Washington and thought, 'This is more like it,' " Van Maren explained.

Canadian team Rositch Hemphill and Associates created 14 prototype homes and cottages ranging in floor space from 1,281 square feet, including veranda, to 3,013 square feet, including patio.

Prices start as low as $294,900 for a cottage on the meadow near the lake and range up to $969,900 for a lakeside home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and loft.

Features such as in-ground geothermal heating and cooling, six stainless steel appliances and wireless security are included in the prices.

Floor plans combine the best of cottage and modern living. Interior features such as oldfashioned window seats, Victorian lofts and durable vinyl plank flooring blend functionality with beauty and comfort. There are four decorating packages to choose from with options to mix and match.

"It's important to us that people feel like this is their home from start to finish, with their own unique imprint," said Van Maren.

The Cottages sit on federally leased land with the 99-year lease prepaid by the developer. Homeowners pay no GST/ HST or property transfer tax. Property taxes are set at the same rate as those in the adjacent Town of Oliver.

"There are definite tax advantages, and because we own the lease, buyers know that we are here to stay," said Van Maren.

The homeowners' association fees of $250-$350 per month insure maintenancefree landscaping and membership in a 7,500squarefoot luxury clubhouse with two swimming pools, hot tubs and tuck shop. The soon-to-be developed marina will accommodate up to 150 boats.

The community will have playgrounds and trails running throughout for universal easy beach access. Owners can rent out their homes for a five-day minimum to avoid the "weekend warrior crowd."

"We want this to be a place where the whole family can come and stay and play: kids, grandkids and everyone our community holds dear," said Van Maren.

Nearby Oliver has a host of services, including hospital and emergency response. Oliver has a small-town feel, right in the heart of wine country, with 21 wineries within a short drive. Just up the road on the "Golden Mile," Black Hills Estate, famous for its rich red Nota Bene, recently opened a new $1-million roadside wine centre for sampling and sipping.

"Time can't pass quickly enough for us to begin our new lifestyle on the lake and enjoy the wineries and landscape," said owner Trobec.

The details

Buyer Tip: Pay no GST/HST or property transfer tax on purchases at the Cottages on Osoyoos Lake

Fly and Drive: Fly to Penticton and rent a car from National Car Rental at airport. A road map is available at Cottages website

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